Former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper has warned that Alberta’s separation from Canada would bring significant risks and no meaningful benefits, adding his voice to the growing national debate over the province’s future. In a column published on October 2, Harper argued that pursuing independence would be an extremely difficult process and could create long-term political and economic uncertainty. Harper made his position clear, stating that he is opposed to Alberta separating from Canada. He described independence as a risky undertaking and questioned whether the movement had the credible leadership needed to establish a new country. He also cautioned Albertans against supporting separation simply to express frustration with the federal government or send a political message to Ottawa. The former prime minister’s comments come ahead of Alberta’s October 19 referendum, which will ask voters whether the province should remain part of Canada or whether the provincial government should pursue a second, binding referendum on separation. The upcoming vote is non-binding and would not immediately make Alberta an independent country. Instead, it would determine whether the government should take the next step towards a future referendum on independence. Harper argued that using the possibility of separation as a negotiating strategy could create lasting consequences. Drawing comparisons with Quebec’s history of separatist politics, he noted that decades of political debate over independence can consume public attention and create uncertainty for businesses, investors and communities.
He also challenged the argument that supporting a separation referendum would strengthen Alberta’s negotiating position with Ottawa. According to Harper, keeping the possibility of independence alive merely to gain political leverage could prolong uncertainty rather than resolve the province’s concerns. He urged Albertans to focus their attention on addressing the barriers affecting Canada’s long-term economic stability and prosperity.
The debate has gained momentum amid longstanding disagreements between Alberta and the federal government over energy development, environmental regulations, resource revenues and provincial autonomy. Supporters of separation argue that Alberta should have greater control over its economic and political future, while opponents have raised concerns about the legal, financial and practical challenges of leaving Canada.
Harper’s intervention is significant because he previously served as Canada’s prime minister from 2006 to 2015 and has maintained strong connections with conservative politics in Alberta. During his time in office, his government pursued policies that supporters said strengthened the energy sector and addressed some of the concerns behind western alienation.
The former prime minister’s remarks follow similar comments from current Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has also expressed support for a united Canada while criticising federal policies that he says have contributed to frustration in Alberta. The issue has also attracted national attention as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government faces questions about federal-provincial relations and the future of Canada’s energy industry. Harper concluded that regardless of the referendum’s outcome, Canada must address the concerns and frustrations expressed by Albertans with urgency. He argued that the country’s long-term stability and prosperity should remain the central focus of political discussions. With the October 19 vote approaching, Alberta’s relationship with the rest of Canada has become a major topic of public debate. The result will determine whether the province moves towards another referendum on independence, while the wider discussion over federalism, resource development and provincial autonomy is expected to continue.